By Lauryne Akoth
In the recently launched Mashaka ya Shakahola report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), a list of demands was issued to Cabinet Secretary of Interior Kithure Kindiki, the director of public prosecutions, and to the Inspector General, National Police Service, Japheth Koome to ensure investigations are expedited.
The commission recommended five duties to Professor Kithure Kindiki. He was asked to immediately order the resumption of the pending exhumations to facilitate the conclusion of investigations and release of the bodies to their next of kin for burial and closure.
Additionally, he was tasked with holding accountable all security officers and national administration officers whose actions, whether through negligence or commission, contributed to or facilitated the Shakahola massacre. This should involve prosecuting them for criminal negligence and personal liability.
Thirdly, he was mandated to assist the survivors in replacing their essential documents that were lost or destroyed due to indoctrination and radicalization. These documents include national identity cards, passports, birth certificates, title deeds, as well as academic and marriage certificates.
The commission also recommended the establishment of a multi-agency/multi-stakeholder de-radicalization and rehabilitation plan to facilitate the reintegration of the survivors into their homes, families, and communities.
They also urged for swift investment in rescue and rehabilitation infrastructure nationwide to prepare for unforeseen disasters in the future. They emphasized that the Shakahola incident notably highlighted the Government’s serious lack of preparedness in terms of rescue and rehabilitation during disasters.
The Inspector General of the National Police Service, meanwhile, was tasked with conducting comprehensive investigations to ensure that those responsible for the Shakahola massacre, particularly those with the greatest accountability, are brought to justice.
They recommended swift investigations which are to be completed within a reasonable timeframe. Additionally, he was instructed to avoid further victimizing survivors of the Shakahola massacre by arresting and detaining them for exhibiting suicidal behavior.
The Director of public prosecutions was also charged with the same responsibilities as those of the inspector general National Police Service.